ﾟ･stars were made for falling ﾟ･ (original)

5- blood over water

When Casper finally woke up, he was warm, finally, though at first, he wasn't completely sure he knew where he was. Something warm was under his head, though nothing was in front of his face; something was also belted across him, seeming to hold him in place. He opened his eyes slowly, realizing that the warm thing he was laying on was actually Percy's shoulder and that he was taking up the whole backseat of the Jeep.

He straightened himself, rubbing the back of his sore neck with his hand, as he sleepily took in his surroundings. It was bright out- he'd slept through the rest of the night and at least the morning, but outside of that he had no idea what time it was. He looked from Liz in the driver's seat, to Miles in the passenger; both of them were absorbed in their own conversation, not paying him any mind. Music was quietly coming from the stereo, unlike any Casper had ever really heard before- the only music he was familiar with was the church hymns they'd sing sometimes, and the lullaby his mother knew.

He shook his head a little at the thought- now was not the time to be thinking of that. Not now or ever, as far as he was concerned. Instead, he focused on the new music, deciding that he liked it- it was energetic, electric, and just what he needed. He closed his eyes for a second, letting it wash over him for a moment, before opening them again and continuing his observations.

Next to him, Percy was curled up asleep, head resting against the door of the Jeep. He was laying at a bit of an angle, which gave Casper the image of dominos- that's probably how they'd looked when they were asleep. He smiled a little at that- it was kind of funny. Sleeping, Percy looked more at peace than he was last night; finally, he was unburdened with the things he saw, if only for a moment. Casper decided not to wake him, instead sitting up and letting his eyes wander out the window.

Weirdly enough, everything outside was just as white as Gemini had been- snow was white, he remembered, and it had been snowing last night. Not a whole lot, yes, but maybe more had fallen while he was asleep. He thought about asking Liz or Miles, but they were still talking to each other, and interrupting adults when they were speaking was rude. So instead, he just swung his legs, eyes glued to the bright, wide world outside. He liked seeing it this way better- he was warm and safe inside the car, leaving all the cold outside, only feeling a chill when he pressed his hand to the window's glass.

All kinds of marvels sped past them, things he'd never seen before- trees, bushes, empty old houses, sometimes even animals. Of course, he couldn't see them very well, not with how fast they were going; he found himself strangely unaffected by the speed of the Jeep, figuring that his body must have adjusted to it while he was sleeping. Beside him, Percy occasionally grumbled or shifted a little, but was otherwise still; he partly wanted him to wake up, just to have someone to talk to, but he mostly knew he needed the rest to give his brain a break.

Casper himself wasn't quite sure how he was feeling; upset, probably, but he wasn't allowing himself to think about last night. He was certain he never would allow himself to think about it if only to keep himself sane. I mean, how could anyone ever make themself think about something like that? No, he was sure it was something he should just leave alone, let it heal on its own. Surely, that was how these things worked- just like a wound, you dressed and left it be, and it would sort itself out. At least, he hoped so.

Miles eyed the small mirror hung between the front seats, only to have his demeanor immediately become softer as he cast a look behind him. "Hey, look who's awake." He was smiling in a kind, gentle way that was somewhat refreshing for Casper. "Did you sleep well, Cas?"

He nodded, then cringed at the sudden pain in his neck, pressing a hand to the back of it. He laughed weakly, shrugging a little. "...Maybe. My neck feels funny, though."